The R31 Pintara was a mid-sized family car built by Nissan Australia. The first Pintara was a four-cylinder version of the R31 Skyline, while the second generation model was the late '80s Japanese Bluebird. However, the car failed to make much of an impact, and its production was discontinued in 1992.
The Pintara came in different trim levels: GLi, Executive, GX, GXE, TRX. All the models were powered by a 2 liter, 4 cylinder SOHC MPI fuel injected engine, with electronic concentrated control system (ECCS). The maximum power produced was 84kW at 5200rpm, while the torque produced was 160Nm at 3200rpm. The R31 Pintara TRX did not feature any mechanical upgrades, merely an additional bodykit. It was available as a bodykit package for the GX and GXE Pintaras, featuring a rear spoiler, side skirts, grille cover, and alloy wheels. The new GLi – as part of the Series II minor trim facelift of September ’87 - lost the sedan’s folding rear seat.
In design, the Pintara was similar to the Skyline. To differentiate it, Nissan named the four-cylinder R31 “Pintara” and fitted slightly different headlights and wheels. Later, Nissan launched the front-wheel drive U12 Pintara. Two four-cylinder engines powered the four-door sedan. In 1990, the car was converted to a five-door model. A revised 2.0-litre engine yielding 83kW of power and 160Nm of torque powered the GLi and Executive models.
Unfortunately, the car was a massive failure. Inconsistent quality control and refinement issues were to blame. The production of this car was eventually stopped by Nissan.
